Pre-term Post-term Birth Rate

Preterm birth includes any live birth that occurs between 20 and 36 weeks (less than 259 days) of gestation. Preterm births are the leading cause of neonatal and infant mortality in Canada and other industrialized countries. The preterm birth rate has been steadily increasing in Canada.

Post-term births are the number of live births that occur at 42 weeks (≥294 days) of gestation or more. Post-term births are associated with increased maternal complications, newborn health problems and infant death. Post-term births can be prevented through medical interventions, such as inducing labour and delivering via caesarean section. Generally, less than 1% of births are post-term and rates are decreasing.

Pre-term Birth

Similar to the national trend, the Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario preterm birth rates have both increased significantly since 1986. In 1986, the preterm birth rates for Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka were 5.7 preterm births per 100 live births and 5.2 preterm births per 100 live births, respectively. In comparison, the 2011 rates for Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka were both 7.8 preterm births per 100 live births.

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Post-term Birth

Similar to the national trend, the Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario post-term birth rates have both decreased significantly since 1986. In 1986, the post-term birth rates for Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka were 7.0 post-term births per 100 live births and 8.9 post-term births per 100 live births, respectively. In comparison, the 2011 rates for Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka were both less than one post-term birth per 100 live births.
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